CAIRO: The resumption of the work of an Egyptian tank factory was discussed Thursday by Minister of Military Production Mohamed al-Assar, U.S. ambassador to Egypt Robert S. Beecroft and Donald Schenk, head of General Dynamics defense company, Youm7 reported.
Assar and Beecroft discussed the supply of components needed to complete the manufacturing stage.
The minister also discussed with Schenk means of cooperation to increase the volume of local manufacturing and exchange expertise in the development of heavy industry. U.S.-based General Dynamics is one of the world’s largest defense contractors.
In February, ministry spokesperson Amr Fouad told al-Jarida Kuwaiti newspaper that his ministry eyes the manufacturing of the M1A1 tank in Egypt.
Egypt has been keen on upgrading its military fleet in the past two years; it purchased two Mistral-class warships, 24 Rafale fighters and armament air-sol modular (AASM) Hammer air-to-ground missiles in 2015 and four small Gowind warships from France in 2014.
Anticipated military deals were also announced during the celebration of the 42nd Air Force Day Wednesday.
In March, the U.S. resumed shipments of fighter jets, tanks and missiles to Egypt.